Browsing by Author "Agnes, Namutebi"

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Chemical composition and Toxicological evaluation of the aqueous leaf extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus Lour. Spreng
(International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention, 2014-02) Savina, Asiimwe; Anna-Karin, Borg- Karlsson; Muhammad, Azeem; Kamatenesi, Maud Mugisha; Agnes, Namutebi; Ndukui, James Gakunga
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Plectranthus amboinicus is used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases and ailments including opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS. However, there is little insight as to the possible toxic effects of this herbal formulation on major organ systems of the body. This study was designed to assess the acute and sub acute toxic effects of the aqueous leaf extract of P. amboinicus on the histology of tissues, biochemical (liver and kidney functions) as well as hematological indices in albino swiss mice and wistar rats respectively. Materials and methods: In this study, phytochemical screening of the aqueous extracts of P. amboinicus was carried out using standard qualitative and quantitative (SPME and GCMS) analytical methods. The extracts were tested for acute toxicity in mice and for sub acute toxicity in Wistar rats according to the OECD guidelines No 425. In acute toxicity test, the dose of 5000 mg/kg was used as the limit dose test. The sub acute toxicity test was evaluated through biochemical, hematological, histopathological and body weight of rats using daily doses of 2500 mg/kg, 1250 mg/kg and 625 mg/kg of the aqueous extract for 28 days. Any signs of toxicity were recorded. Histopathological examination was done on the liver, kidneys, lungs and intestines. Body weight changes were measured weekly for 28 days of daily single dose of extract administration. Results: Phytochemical screening of the aqueous extracts revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroid glycosides and polyuronides. GCMS analysis revealed the presence of 11 chemical compounds constituting 97.6% of the total extract composition. The principle constituents include linalool (50.3 %), nerol acetate (11.6%), geranyl acetate (11.7 %) and carvacrol (14.3%). In acute toxicity, the extracts did not cause any mortality or evidence of adverse effects following oral administration of the highest dose of 10,000 mg/kg of crude extract in both mice. In sub acute study, normal body weight gains were observed during the study period compared to the control group. The kidney function parameters (Urea, creatinine, uric acid) were significantly increased following administration of extract. Histopathological examination of extract treated groups showed necrosis of hepatic cells with generalized congestion in the renal cortex, pneumonitis and sloughing of intestinal villi. Conclusion: The aqueous extract is rich in phytochemical compounds that are of therapeutic value. No mortalities were observed during acute and sub acute toxicity study period. These finding indicate that the extract caused treatment- related toxicological abnormalities which increased with dosage. The aqueous extract of P. amboinicus is safe to use as indicated by the high LD50 value, but should be used with caution at high doses.
Documentation and consensus of indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants used by the local communities of western Uganda
(Scholars Research Library, 2014-04) Maud, Kamatenesi Mugisha; Hannington, Oryem-Origa; Savina, Asiimwe; Agnes, Namutebi; Anna-Karin, Borg-Karlsson
An ethnobotanical study was conducted to document the uses of medicinal plants among the local communities of western Uganda. The aim of the study was to identify and document plant species used for treatment of various ailments in the study areas, identify the commonly used plants, parts used, preparation and administration of herbal drugs. To find out the level of consensus or agreement between informants regarding the uses of plants for particular disease categories. Information on the plants was gathered between December 2010 and May 2011 from 124 informants using semi-structured interviews and discussions. For analysis of general use of plants, factor informant consensus (Fic) was used. The reported plants were collected and identified. The study revealed 231 plant species belonging to 72 families and 164 genera. These plants were used to treat various diseases and ailments grouped under 14 ailment categories, with the highest number of species (127) being used for gastrointestinal disorders followed by reproductive health disorders (75). The factor informant consensus highlighted low agreement in the use of plants. The highest Fic (0.61) was scored for the digestive problems, such as intestinal worms, stomachache and constipation. Aloe vera was used for malaria with the highest frequency of mention (26 mentions). Herbs (55%) were the main source of medicine followed by shrubs (18%). Leaves (65%) and roots (19%) were the main plant parts used in remedy preparation while decoction was the major form of preparation. Family Asteraceae accounted for 16% of the total species recorded. The majority of plants (53%) were harvested from wild habitats. The most important species according to their fidelity are Senna occidentalis (L.) Link for deworming, Aloe vera L. for malaria, Maytenus senegalensis (Lam) Exell for syphilis and Senecio hadiensis Forssk for miscarriages.The low consensus means the majority of informants do not agree or exchange information on the use of plant species and this may require bioactivity screening to justify the use for the reported ailments. The documented information regarding therapeutic uses provides basic data for further studies focused on pharmacological studies and conservation of the most important species.
Ethnobotanical study of nutri-medicinal plants used for the management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic ailments among the local communities of western Uganda
(Crossmark, 2013-09-26) Maud, Kamatenesi Mugisha; Savina, Asiimwe; Agnes, Namutebi; Anna-Karin, Borg-Karlsson; Peace, Musiimenta
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Herbal remedies are a source of therapeutics for nearly 80% of the population in Uganda. Poor health facilities and limited access to antiretroviral drugs have perpetuated and increased the use of traditional medicine especially in rural areas for the treatment of opportunistic ailments of HIV/AIDS. To document the traditional uses of nutri-medicinal plants in the management of immunocompromised ailments associated with HIV/AIDS. To document the parts and growth forms of plants used, methods of preparation and administration of the herbal remedies. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in Mbarara and Isingiro districts of western Uganda between December 2010 and May 2011. Ethnobotanical information was collected from 64 respondents who were sampled based on recommendations of local elders and administrators. Ethnobotanical data on the use of nutri-medicinal plants for traditional treatment of HIV/AIDS opportunistic ailments were collected by employing semi-structured interviews with selected respondents, house hold visits and field observations as described by (Martin, 1995a). The respondents were mainly traditional medical practitioners who treat patients who are already receiving antiretroviral drugs. Fidelity levels of plant species and informant consensus factor were determined to show the percentage of informants claiming the use of certain plant species for the same major purpose and to analyse people's knowledge of plant use.
Ethnobotanical study of nutri-medicinal plants used for the management of HIV/AIDS opportunistic ailments among the local communities of western Uganda
(Crossmark, 2013-09-26) Maud, Kamatenesi Mugisha; Savina, Asiimwe; Agnes, Namutebi; Anna-Karin, Borg-Karlsson; Peace, Musiimenta
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Herbal remedies are a source of therapeutics for nearly 80% of the population in Uganda. Poor health facilities and limited access to antiretroviral drugs have perpetuated and increased the use of traditional medicine especially in rural areas for the treatment of opportunistic ailments of HIV/AIDS. To document the traditional uses of nutri-medicinal plants in the management of immunocompromised ailments associated with HIV/AIDS. To document the parts and growth forms of plants used, methods of preparation and administration of the herbal remedies. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in Mbarara and Isingiro districts of western Uganda between December 2010 and May 2011. Ethnobotanical information was collected from 64 respondents who were sampled based on recommendations of local elders and administrators. Ethnobotanical data on the use of nutri-medicinal plants for traditional treatment of HIV/AIDS opportunistic ailments were collected by employing semi-structured interviews with selected respondents, house hold visits and field observations as described by (Martin, 1995a). The respondents were mainly traditional medical practitioners who treat patients who are already receiving antiretroviral drugs. Fidelity levels of plant species and informant consensus factor were determined to show the percentage of informants claiming the use of certain plant species for the same major purpose and to analyse people's knowledge of plant use.